By far the worst starting running back in the NFL last year, he failed to record a single game of more than 100 yards on the ground. During his last 10 games, he was even worse and failed to surpass 60 yards on the ground.

New Lions head coach Matt Patricia is dead set on helping this porous running game improve in 2018.

The running back situation was like a revolving door in Washington this season, due to the injury to opening day starter Robert Kelly who led the team in rushing last season.

However, Perine would soon get comfortable in his role and posted back to back 100-yard games in games against the Saints and Giants. He will have to make his case this off season to prove that he belongs as a starter.

Atlanta’s 1-2 punch of Devonta’ Freeman and Tevin Coleman added another year of synchronized play-making amongst one another and kept the Falcons’ offense fresh for the majority of the season.

Although not as electrifying as he was last year with 11 total TD’s and 941 yards from scrimmage, he was still able to help solidify the running game and is a Class A backup running back who could start for numerous teams.

In a deep stable of running backs, Buck Allen was forced to reinvent himself in order to find decent playing time. Without registering a single start, he went on to have the best season of his career while being utilized mainly as a short yardage back.

He also improved on his ability to catch out of the backfield. He is a very valuable player for the Baltimore Ravens.

His explosiveness and craftiness in the return game made him a young buck that everyone had to take notice of. Especially after his whirlwind punt return touchdown against the San Francisco 49ers.

The rookie form North Carolina AT&T was a big help to Chicago’s floundering offense, but it remains to see what his overall impact will be in Chicago in years to come. He might be regulated to just special teams.

The rookie sensation from the University of Oklahoma came into the NFL with some character concerns as he slipped to the middle of the 2nd round.

Mixon kept his nose clean and led the Bengals in rushing yards behind a broken up and rather porous offensive line. If they can upgrade the trenches, watch out. No. 28 can be sensational someday very soon.

He had a very underwhelming season after leading the NFL in rushing touchdowns last year with 18, yet his ability to run unlimited concepts allowed the Eagles to be creative in designing their run game.

Blount runs his paths well and does a great job lowering his shoulder to finish powerfully.

The Eagles’ trading for Jay Ajayi was one of the biggest surprises of the year. The price he came at was even more surprising. The ‘Fins dumped him for a 4th round draft pick after averaging an egregious 3.4 yards a carry.

Ajayi averaged over five yards per carry since the trade and gave the Eagles a nasty one-two punch splitting carries with LeGarrette Blount.

Alex Colllins was one of the pleasant surprises of the season. He was waived by Seattle and picked up by the Ravens where he has since thrived behind a solid offensive line and a diverse running scheme.

He has earned the starting role for the Ravens and gives their offense a sound foundation.

Lewis closed the 2017 NFL regular season with a bang. He had 83 carries for 398 yards and three touchdowns in December. They were all season highs for a month and he also added 17 catches for 127 yards and two touchdowns.

Dion Lewis is without inquiry one of the most underrated backs in the league. If not, the most in the league already.

His season will likely be remembered for the suspension, which it should if the allegations against him are true.

Although still an immensely talented runner, Elliot dropped a full yard per carry in his second season and that is a cause for concern. Not to mention, he wasn’t in tip top shape. For him, 2017 could not have ended sooner.

Leonard Fournette had a streaky rookie year. He had 100-yard games against the Texans, Steelers, Rams, Browns and Seahawks. However in games against the 49ers (48 yards) and the Cardinals (25 yards), he missed a few lanes and was ultimately bottled up.

Nonetheless, Fournette gives the Jaguars encouragement going forward. However, he will need to improve his consistency to get to the next level.

The 3rd round pick out of the University of Toledo has been one of the best backs in the league this season. He led a Chiefs offense that took the league by storm to start the year.

Kareem Hunt’s abilities as a rusher and receiver are clear as day. Yet with Kansas City’s option-based offense, it’s his ability to create misdirection and confusion that makes him one of the best fits team wise from the 2017 draft.

Surprise! Todd Gurley’s revival shouldn’t be overlooked. Sean McVay had a huge part in making him a back that finished the season leading the NFL in yards from scrimmage. He was also in the top 5 for MVP voting.

Gurley was the best all-around back this season. He led the league in yards from scrimmage with 2,093 and touchdowns with 19. He has great power, speed, and he’s developing into a top receiver as he led the L. A. Rams in receptions.